The Chinese Navy has formally accused Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) of endangering flight safety during routine carrier operations in the Western Pacific. Spokesperson Wang Xuemeng stated on December 7, 2025 that SDF aircraft repeatedly breached designated training zones east of the Miyako Strait during the Liaoning aircraft carrier group's scheduled exercises this week.
According to Wang, the PLA Navy had announced maritime and airspace notifications in advance for the carrier-based fighter jet drills. 'Japan's provocative intrusions severely disrupted normal training and created unnecessary risks,' the spokesperson emphasized, dismissing Tokyo's characterization of events as 'factually inconsistent.'
The statement comes amid heightened regional attention to naval movements, with Beijing demanding Tokyo 'immediately cease smear campaigns' and exercise stricter control over military units. Analysts note this incident follows recent efforts to stabilize China-Japan relations through economic cooperation frameworks established earlier this year.
Military observers suggest the Liaoning's current deployment reflects ongoing modernization of China's blue-water capabilities, with carrier groups now conducting regular trans-strait maneuvers. The Navy maintains it will 'take all necessary measures' to protect operational security amid increasing great power competition in Asia-Pacific waters.
